🌐 International News
On February 10, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Korea Transport Institute (KOTI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in South Korea.
Key Details:
- Signatories – Mr. Youngchan Kim (President, KOTI) and H.E. Amit Kumar (India’s Ambassador to South Korea)
- Location – Sejong National Research Complex
- Objective – Improve logistics efficiency, infrastructure planning, and sustainable economic growth through bilateral collaboration
DPIIT functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. This MoU strengthens India–South Korea collaboration in logistics and infrastructure development.
Bangladesh initiated a major security operation called ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ to target loyalists of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Key Facts:
- Launched by – Interim government led by Muhammad Yunus
- Trigger – Unrest and attacks on protesters
- Diplomatic Tension – Tensions escalated after the demolition of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, which India criticized
Political instability in neighboring countries impacts regional diplomacy. This operation may affect India–Bangladesh relations and regional stability.
🇮🇳 National News
The Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a joint exercise named ‘Winged Raider’ in the Eastern Theater.
Focus Areas:
- Special airborne operations and rapid deployment
- Inter-service coordination and operational readiness
- Enhancing strategic capabilities in the Eastern Theater
Joint military exercises enhance operational synergy between services. The Eastern Theater holds strategic importance given India’s security landscape.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) upgraded and renamed its intermediate jet trainer HJT-36 as ‘Yashas’ during Aero India 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Purpose – Advanced pilot training and operational readiness
- Announced at – Aero India 2025, a major defence aviation exhibition
- Manufacturer – HAL is India’s premier aerospace and defence manufacturer
HAL plays a crucial role in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, producing aircraft, helicopters, and aero-engines for the armed forces.
The Government of India announced new initiatives to promote gender equality at the workplace and encourage women entrepreneurship.
Focus Areas:
- Creating a safe and inclusive work environment
- Supporting women-led startups and businesses
- Promoting policies that ensure equal opportunities
Gender-inclusive policies are key governance priorities. These measures align with India’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality).
The India-Israel Business Forum and CEO Forum are scheduled for February 11, 2025 in New Delhi.
Key Focus Areas:
- Technology collaboration across sectors
- Investment opportunities and cross-industry alliances
- Participation from business leaders and policymakers from both nations
India and Israel share strong bilateral ties in defense, agriculture, water management, and innovation. These forums aim to deepen economic cooperation.
RISE Worldwide (Reliance) purchased a 49% stake in the Oval Invincibles, a team competing in The Hundred, a franchise cricket tournament organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Key Details:
- Buyer – RISE Worldwide (Reliance), owners of Mumbai Indians
- League – The Hundred (ECB)
- Ownership Structure – Surrey retains majority stake
This acquisition marks Mumbai Indians’ expansion into international cricket leagues, following their involvement in IPL, SA20, and other T20 leagues globally.
💼 Business & Economy
As of January 15, 2025, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has crossed 54.58 crore accounts, marking a major milestone in India’s financial inclusion journey.
Key Highlights:
- Women Participation – 55.7% of accounts are held by women
- Launched – August 2014
- Impact – Supports direct welfare transfers and digital financial inclusion
PMJDY has been instrumental in bringing millions of unbanked Indians into the formal banking system, enabling direct benefit transfers and promoting savings culture.
The Government of India added 10 new commodities to the electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) platform.
Key Details:
- Total Commodities – Now 231 commodities covered on e-NAM
- Objective – Improve price discovery, transparency, and access to markets for farmers
- Platform – Digital agricultural marketing platform
e-NAM connects Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across India, enabling farmers to access better prices and reducing intermediaries in the supply chain.
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) launched the India-EFTA Desk following the conclusion of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
EFTA Members:
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
Key Points:
- EFTA is the first European bloc to finalize a comprehensive trade pact with India
- India-EFTA Desk aims to enhance transparency and ease of doing business
EFTA is separate from the European Union. TEPA strengthens bilateral trade cooperation and opens new opportunities for Indian exporters.
India is introducing new Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes for Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged rice varieties to streamline exports.
Covered Varieties:
- Red Rice
- Black Rice
- Kalanamak Rice
Objective: Improve export classification, documentation, and market access for premium Indian rice varieties.
GI tags protect traditional products and help Indian exporters command premium prices in international markets.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deferred the implementation of new Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and project financing norms to March 31, 2026.
Key Details:
- Reason – Address liquidity concerns of banks
- Objective – Maintain financial stability while allowing banks adequate preparation time
LCR ensures banks maintain sufficient high-quality liquid assets to meet short-term obligations during financial stress.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) established a nine-member Working Group to review trading and settlement timings in financial markets.
Key Details:
- Scope – Review market hours for forex, money markets, and government securities
- Report Expected – By April 2025
- Objective – Enhance market efficiency and align with global best practices
This review could potentially extend trading hours to improve liquidity and market participation.
Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL) launched ‘Spinner’, a sports drink developed in collaboration with cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan.
Key Details:
- Price – ₹10 for 150 ml
- Target Market – Mass market sports and energy drink segment
- Future Plans – Collaboration with IPL teams
- Vision – Build a billion-dollar sports drink segment in three years
With aggressive pricing and celebrity endorsement, Reliance aims to capture market share from established players like Gatorade and Powerade.
👔 Appointments
Justin Hotard has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nokia, effective April 1, 2025.
Key Details:
- Current Role – Executive Vice President & General Manager, Data Center & AI Group at Intel
- Successor to – Pekka Lundmark
- Nokia Chairperson – Sari Baldauf
- Transition – Lundmark will continue to advise until year-end 2025
Justin Hotard brings extensive experience in technology and AI sectors. His appointment signals Nokia’s strategic focus on 5G, AI, and data center technologies.
📅 Important Days
Observed annually on February 11, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights the critical role of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Theme 2025: “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science”
Significance:
- Promotes gender equality in STEM education and careers
- Recognizes contributions of women scientists globally
- Encourages young girls to pursue careers in science and technology
Established by the UN General Assembly to achieve full and equal access to science for women and girls, this day promotes breaking stereotypes in STEM fields.
Anti-Smuggling Day is observed on February 11 to raise awareness about the harmful effects of cross-border smuggling and illicit trade.
Observed By: FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy)
Objectives:
- Create awareness about economic and security threats posed by smuggling
- Promote cooperation between law enforcement and industry stakeholders
- Strengthen border security and trade compliance measures
Smuggling and counterfeiting cause massive revenue losses, undermine legitimate businesses, and pose security risks. This day emphasizes collective action against illicit trade.
International Epilepsy Day is observed on the second Monday of February each year. In 2025, it was observed on February 10.
Theme 2025: “MyEpilepsyJourney”
Objectives:
- Raise awareness about epilepsy, a neurological disorder
- Promote understanding and support for people living with epilepsy
- Combat stigma and misconceptions
Epilepsy affects millions worldwide. This day emphasizes the importance of medical care, community support, and reducing discrimination against those with the condition.
🕊️ Obituaries
Brazilian football legend Marcelo Vieira announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
Career Highlights:
- Club Career – Played 15 years at Real Madrid (2007–2022)
- Major Trophies – Won 25 major titles including 5 UEFA Champions League titles
- Other Clubs – Fluminense (Brazil), Olympiacos (Greece)
- Position – Left-back/Defender
Marcelo is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history. His attacking style, dribbling ability, and partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo made him a fan favorite at Real Madrid.
Swiss tennis player Jil Teichmann won the WTA 125 Mumbai Open 2025, defeating Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the final.
Event Details:
- Venue – Cricket Club of India, Mumbai
- Dates – February 3–9, 2025
- Tournament Level – WTA 125
- Career – This is Teichmann’s second WTA 125 title
The Mumbai Open is an important tournament on the WTA 125 circuit, providing players with ranking points and prize money.
Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz won the Rotterdam Open, defeating Australia’s Alex de Minaur in the final.
Match Details:
- Score – 6-4, 3-6, 6-2
- Significance – First indoor hardcourt title for Alcaraz
- Career Milestone – 17th ATP Tour title
- Historic Achievement – First Spanish winner in the event’s 52-year history
Carlos Alcaraz continues to dominate world tennis. At just 22 years old, he has already won multiple Grand Slam titles and is considered one of the best players in the world.
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